Steer clear of religious sensitivities, says Abang Jo

SARAWAK Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg yesterday called on the people to steer clear of religious sensitivities, have mutual respect for one another and work together to secure a peaceful and progressive future. 

He said the Sarawak government emphasises social inclusivity based on justice for all, regardless of ethnic and religious backgrounds.

“In our effort (state government) to improve the people’s quality of life by providing a balanced income, spiritual development also needs consideration.

“All religions teach their followers righteousness and good values such as integrity, discipline, loyalty and peace. We (Sarawak) know what we are doing based on logical thinking, history and friendship.

“And that is why we have good political relations and are able to cooperate well in one team regardless of religious background, to protect Sarawak’s rights,” he said at an appreciation dinner for the state’s Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) in Kuching last night.

At the event, Abang Johari also announced an allocation of RM110 million to Unifor for the development of places of worship in the state next year.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said a total of 2,453 places of worship with 1,771,586 members had been registered in the state.

He said since 2017, the state government had approved and allocated a cumulated sum of RM313.16 million to churches, temples and houses of worship for other faiths.

“Unifor is not only assisting the houses of worship, it also extends its assistance to mission schools.

“There are 127 mission schools in the state. From 2021 to 2023, a sum of RM50 million had been allocated to these schools,” he said. 

Uggah said Abang Johari’s efforts were not merely rhetoric but a clear manifestation of carrying out his responsibilities. – Bernama, December 21, 2023.